I saw Duke last year in august and would pics if i just knew how too. He was looking good as we got within 10 feet of him. He is masive. He is about a metre taller then those green game drive vehicles. His tusks have been worn away at the bottom. What a pity.

I saw Duke the one and only time, on 23 May 1997. It was a Friday, we were en route to LS for mum's 50th. Entered at Croc Bridge, and were in convoy with loads of people heading the same way for the weekend. I was in my car, my boet was driving my mom's new car (surprise birthday present). All cameras and things were still stashed in the boot, so no photos.

There was a turning to the right, about halfway between CB and LS. And Duke was walking down the middle of the road, towards CB, and cars were scattering. I could swear there was a twinkle in his eye at the mayhem he was causing!

There was much trepidation about 'mom's new car', and so we ducked into the side road, turned around, and waited for him to pass.

A Daewoo Espero did the same thing, but after the excitement was over, it was the funniest thing... driver (she) and passenger (he) swapped places in a great hurry. We suspect hubby let missus drive once they got into the park, and after this experience, her nerves were shot, and she gave back the controls to hubby! Gosh we laughed.

But yes, he was a sight to behold then, he must be quite an anmal now.

Last trip: New Years in Skuks and SataraNext: ....................................................

We had the wonderful luck to see Duke for a second time this week -( the first time was Christmas day 2005, just north of Lower Sabie, near Mlondozi ) On Sunday 24th June 2007 at about 10:50 he was about a km from the Croc Bridge camp gate, with two askaris.

Sad news is that Duke lost one of his tusks on Monday (20 Aug. 2007). Members of our Duke pack was first to spot the tragedy. The local ranger has confirmed that it was indeed Duke that has lost his left tusk.

No one is quite sure what caused the tusk to snap approx 30 cm. from his lip.

The ranger is looking for the lost piece, as it certainly will be of great historical value. See the "The tale of the tusks" thread for more info.

There was a new flash on the radio this morning (25 august 2007) that duke has lost one of his tusks. Is this a rumour or is it the truth? What a great loss if he has lost one.I understood that they were going to search for this magnificent tusk.

On Monday 28th January at 12:09 he was busy scratching his back and rump on a tree at the T Junction where the S29 meets the S128. When he had finished scratching he just wandered of straight on towards the river, what we could see, as he dissappeared through the thickish bush and long grass, he was happily munching as he went.

He turned sidewards, but fleetingly, and I am afraid I was not quick enough to get a picture of him like that, and only got a picture of his posterior - anyways the bushes and twigs got in the way of a picture of him, from the side.

Don't forget to PM any Mod your Kudu nominations for the month.

If you want to list your Park Dates in the YR Thread then please PM me.